More than forty representatives from local and regional river based organisations gathered at Stratford upon Avon Boat Club recently to explore how science, technology and community action can help improve the health of the River Avon.
The Warwickshire Avon River Health Forum brought together speakers with expertise in freshwater ecology, water quality data, monitoring technology and community led river protection. Their presentations highlighted the need for better evidence, coordinated investigation and practical action to protect the river for wildlife and everyone who values it.
Also amongst the audience were Manuela Perteghella MP; Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford on Avon District Council and Chair of its Climate Change Panel; Esme Booth OLY; and Mark Dewdney, Stratford Boat Club’s Head Adaptive Coach.
Mark Barrow, underwater freshwater filmmaker with Beneath British Waters, 
shared how fish populations in rivers he has filmed have declined dramatically over recent decades. His film ‘Beneath the Oars’ explores the hidden underwater world of the Thames at Henley, reminding audiences that a river’s surface can conceal significant ecological changes.
Sports data scientist and SafeAvon volunteer Freddie Wilson presented water quality data collected at two sites in Stratford upon Avon, alongside a case study from Royal Leamington Spa Canoe Club. Freddie explained that, although both Stratford sites would be classified as poor, if they were designated bathing waters, their 90th and 95th percentile readings for E. coli and enterococci are among the highest on the Avon and Leam. This suggests that average bacterial levels are high, spikes are particularly pronounced, or both. Local citizen science is demonstrating how consistent testing and analysis can identify patterns in these spikes and help
guide further investigation into their possible sources.
Colin Maltby, River Insight and Improvement Manager at Severn Trent, discussed water quality information, investment in river improvements and the development of continuous monitoring under Section 82 of the Environment Act 2021. Stratford upon Avon Boat Club is calling for continuous water quality monitoring at the Old Bathing Place to build a clearer picture of conditions at this popular riverside location.
James Chapman, UK Business Development Manager – Environmental Solutions at Xylem Water Solutions UK Ltd, demonstrated how Surfbee, a remotely controlled uncrewed surface vehicle, can map water quality in detail and help investigate changes along a river. Stratford Boat Club is working with James to bring the Surfbee back to the Avon to help identify potential pollution sources.
Caroline Roper, from the University of Birmingham’s River Champions programme, explained how they train and equip volunteers to gather consistent river-monitoring data to support discussions with the Environment Agency and other stakeholders. Stratford Boat Club hopes
Stratford on Avon District Council will explore joining the regional programme, enabling local volunteers to contribute to a wider picture of river health.
Mary Manandhar, convenor of River Hope and The Gathering: for Water and Nature, and a SafeAvon citizen scientist, read her prose poem ‘Water Speaks’. Mary highlighted that rivers are just one phase of Earth’s interconnected water cycle which has sustained all life for several billion years. Water asks 
humans to reflect on our values and behaviour and use heart-led imagination, alongside monitoring data and technology, to restore and protect waterbodies.
Stratford Boat Club will continue its water quality testing alongside SafeAvon, supported by a Thriving Waters grant from British Rowing. The Club will also seek meetings with Stratford on Avon District Council and Manuela Perteghella MP to discuss the recent findings and how local organisations can work together to improve conditions for recreational users.
Olympic rower Esme Booth OLY commented: “Our rivers aren’t good enough and I’ve seen that first-hand from years of rowing them. But I left this event hopeful. The momentum is building locally and now we have to keep it going until our rivers are healthy again.”
The Stratford Boat Club wants to strengthen collaboration with SafeAvon, Warwickshire Catchment Based Approach partners, river-based businesses, recreational sports, community groups and local authorities. The aim is to share evidence, investigate concerns and turn findings into meaningful improvements.
Eric Appleton, Chairman of Stratford upon Avon Boat Club, said, “From Mark Barrow’s underwater films to the latest monitoring technology, the forum showed how evidence can help us understand what is happening to this stretch of the Avon. Stratford Boat Club will step up the pace, continue our testing, seeking continuous monitoring at the Old Bathing Place and exploring further investigation using Surfbee.
But one club cannot do this alone. We call on local partners to work together, share data and turn evidence into action. We want a healthier Avon for wildlife and for everyone who values the river. Everyone who benefits from or values the river has a stake in its future. We must act as guardians of the river, speaking up for the wildlife that cannot speak for itself and safeguarding this precious resource for future generations. The Avon is a shared responsibility.”